Tensions surrounding the ongoing legal proceedings against suspended Chief Justice Gertrude Torkornoo continue to rise as Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, Majority Chief Whip in Parliament, accuses her of behaving in a way that suggests presumed guilt. This comes in response to the Chief Justice’s outspoken condemnation of the committee overseeing her possible removal from office.
Justice Torkornoo, in a supplementary affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, described the current proceedings—led by Justice Gabriel Pwamang—as nothing short of a “mockery of justice.” She labelled the committee’s actions as a calculated scheme designed to unfairly oust her from her role. These strong words have captured national attention, intensifying scrutiny on the fairness, transparency, and political undertones of the ongoing hearings.
Among the many points raised in her affidavit, Justice Torkornoo focused on the venue selected for the hearings. According to her, the high-security location chosen is unsuitable, creating an intimidating atmosphere that undermines the dignity of the process. She contrasted this with past proceedings, which were held at the more accessible Judicial Service’s Court Complex, a setting she described as appropriate and neutral.
The Chief Justice did not hold back in her criticism. She stated that the treatment meted out to her had violated her fundamental human rights and described her experience as inhumane and degrading. Her legal team maintains that the manner in which the hearings are being conducted raises questions about procedural fairness and respect for the rule of law.
In response, Dafeamekpor, during an interview on Channel One TV's Face to Face with Umaru Sanda Amadu, urged Justice Torkornoo to allow the legal process to take its course. He argued that her public statements and dramatic objections are unbecoming of someone who holds or has held such a high judicial office. Dafeamekpor noted that her actions give the impression of someone who is already assuming guilt, which, in his view, could compromise public confidence in the legal process.
Dafeamekpor's remarks have sparked widespread discussion in legal and political circles. Some commentators have suggested that the tension between the Judiciary and the Legislature in this case is emblematic of deeper institutional issues. Others see it as a necessary test of Ghana’s democratic processes and the independence of its judiciary.
Justice Torkornoo’s legal challenge against the removal proceedings is ongoing, even as the committee continues its work under heightened public and political observation. Her position remains that the process is not only flawed but fundamentally prejudicial. Whether or not these legal objections will succeed remains to be seen, but what is certain is that this case has become one of the most closely watched judicial developments in recent Ghanaian history.
As events unfold, Ghanaians are left to navigate a complex legal and political terrain, with concerns about transparency, fairness, and justice on all sides. Both supporters and critics of Justice Torkornoo agree that the outcome of this case will set a precedent, not just for the judiciary but for the entire governance structure of the nation.
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